French police rarely stop a sports car, valued at an estimated 210,000 euros (approximately 6,6 billion VND), only to find it driven by someone claiming to be homeless, unemployed, and receiving government aid. This incident marks a first in the country's law enforcement history.

On 14/6/2025, on the A7 highway near Avignon, the Vaucluse provincial police traffic control team stopped a Ferrari Portofino traveling at 250 km/h.

During interrogation, the man, despite his affluent appearance, casually informed officers he was jobless, without assets, and had no income.

A wealthy individual's tax and social benefit fraud was unexpectedly exposed after speeding in a supercar drew attention. *Photo: Gendarmerie PACA*

The driver initially claimed the 210,000 euro vehicle belonged to his mother. His driver's license was immediately revoked, and the car was confiscated.

The Avignon prosecutor's office assigned the investigation to the Department of Finance and the Social Security Agency, in coordination with the General Directorate of Public Finance.

The investigation revealed the car was owned by a family real estate company (SCI) operated by the driver, his mother, brother, and sister. All are residents of Var province, located in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur administrative region of southeastern France.

This discovery prompted a thorough investigation into the family's lifestyle and income, uncovering a sophisticated financial scheme. Analysis of bank accounts revealed significant undeclared financial flows, totaling over 1,6 million euros in revenue annually.

Furthermore, these individuals, dubbed "fake poor chairmen", were accused of fraudulently receiving over 1,8 million euros (approximately 55,5 billion VND) in unemployment and family hardship benefits over several years.

The lavish lifestyle of the accused, evident from their luxury shopping sprees and trips to upscale destinations, starkly contradicted their declared administrative and tax status.

At the Public Prosecutor's Office's request, the court authorized special investigative techniques and the seizure of several of the suspect's assets.

The 'fake poor' wealthy family exposed

On the morning of 9/2, 50 police officers from various research and investigation units were deployed across multiple city locations, targeting the residences of the four family business members to conduct arrests.

Searches resulted in the discovery and seizure of: nearly 13,000 euros in cash, almost 67,000 euros across bank accounts, luxury goods (jewelry, watches, footwear, leather items) valued at over 170,000 euros, real estate exceeding 600,000 euros in worth, and three supercars.

A collection of luxury items seized by authorities from the defendants' homes. *Photo: Gendarmerie PACA*

This operation led to the arrest of four main suspects, now in custody facing charges including undeclared business, aggravated money laundering, misuse of company assets, and fraud of family benefit funds.

Following the raid, the suspects were brought before a criminal court for their initial hearing. Their trial is anticipated to commence on 27/10, approximately 14 months after the chance encounter with the speeding supercar.

By Hai Thu (According to Le Parisien, Ministere de L'interieur)